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Dimensions, Special Edition—Growing Toward a Future Where All Feel Welcome and Heard

IN THIS ISSUE

Special Edition

In 2001, ASTC’s Board launched a fieldwide Equity and Diversity Initiative in an effort to lead science centers toward a future in which their audience, staff, and board members more closely reflect the diversity of their societies. Since that time, we have made progress as a field on the path to becoming truly diverse and inclusive, but there is much left to do. ASTC recognizes that the work of equity, diversity, and inclusion is never finished. And as countries around the world become increasingly diverse, this work is more important than ever.

In this special edition of Dimensions, science center and museum practitioners from around the globe examine how our institutions are working to build and engage audiences, staffs, and boards that are diverse by many measures, including by race, ethnicity, national origin, native language, immigrant or refugee status, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, and socioeconomic status—and where we can do more. In a Special Opinion Section, several leaders share their views on how our field should respond to increasing diversity in various parts of the world. We hope this edition will provide inspiration and lead to deep conversations.